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Hraychuck Will Not Fundraise During State Budget Process

Friday, January 16th, 2009 at 6:52 am

MADISON –Rep. Ann Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake) announced that she will not fundraise while the state budget is under consideration by the State Legislature.

“The state budget process needs to be focused on the priorities of the people of Wisconsin,” said Hraychuck. “We have a tough road ahead of us, and all of our time and energy needs to be targeted towards creating jobs and improving our economy. This is not the time to be planning for the next election,” added Hraychuck.

Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) proposed a new Assembly Rule to ban fundraising during the budget process. An Assembly Rule only needs to be approved by the Assembly Organization Committee to take effect. The rule would prevent Assembly members from fundraising for their individual campaign accounts. Assembly Democrats have a majority on this committee so the rule is expected to pass.

“I believe that this rule change is one of the most significant changes to the campaign finance system in decades, and I am proud that the Assembly Democrats are working hard to make positive, immediate improvements in how we are doing business in Madison,” said Hraychuck.

The fundraising ban would begin when Governor Jim Doyle introduces his budget bill sometime in February, and would end once the State Assembly and Senate approve the final version of the budget, which hopefully will happen by June.

“This proposed rule sends a clear message to the people we represent—that decisions on the budget will be based on the policies and programs that are important to middle-class families, and not the priorities of special interest groups,” commented Hraychuck.